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Russia has tested the World’s most powerful vacuum bomb, which is said to unleash a destructive shockwave with the power of a nuclear blast. The device detonates in two stages; a small blast disperses a cloud of explosive material which then ignites spontaneously or with a second charge, creating a huge pressure wave.

“This bomb is comparable with a nuclear bomb, “said Alexander Rukshin, deputy head of Russia’s armed forces. “I particularly want to emphasise that there are no long-term ecological or environmental consequences.”

The bomb is the latest in a series of new Russian weapons and policy moves unveiled as President Vladimir Putin tries to reassert Moscow’s role on the international stage. The US has already used similar small-scale devices in Afghanistan. Human rights organisations say as the bombs cover a wide area their use is too indiscriminate.